“They are in love, but Ohio law denies them the right to get married and enjoy marriage’s many benefits and responsibilities,” the lawsuit states.

Gibson and Meem are professors at the University of Cincinnati, where they met, and began dating in 1995, according to court documents. Gibson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, and the suit claims she will likely need 24-hour home care in the future.

“Because of Michelle’s illness, it is important that their relationship be recognized very soon,” the suit states. “They have drafted documents so that Deborah can care for Michelle and make health care and financial decisions for her if she is unable, but they worry that those documents may not be honored.”

Kastner Beck and Beck began dating in 2001 and committed themselves to be married in 2006. They adopted two sons who they later found to have developmental disabilities.

“Ronny and Dave decided that they were just like any other parents who do not know beforehand the types of challenges their birth child face. You love them anyway and you just figure it out,” the suit says. “Although Ronny and Dave have drafted extensive paperwork to try to protect their family, they are always fearful of what would happen if one of them died. They worry about being separated from one of their children or having their sons separated from each other. ... These and many other uncertainties would be resolved if Ronny and Dave were legally married just like any other opposite-sex couple in their situation.”

The suit claims Ohio’s ban on same-sex marriage violates the Freedom of Association Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. It asks the court to require Ohio to accept applications and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine supports the state’s gay marriage ban and is appealing the previous ruling to require the state to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages.